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Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Utility: Happiness in Philosophical and Economic Thought discusses the the philosophy of happiness, and both global and historical empirical evidence regarding what we see to be its three central components --welfare, dignity and contentment. One of the conclusions of the book is that, beyond a fairly low level, income growth is considerably less important to fostering the components of the good life than are improved institutions.I've only had a quick look at the first chapter so far, but this seems to be a good read. Of course, we all know that those who say that money can't buy happiness don't know where to shop. Question: Why is it that most people who say that money can't buy happiness also favour heavy governmental redistribution?
Two of the chapters (regarding the history of philosophy of happiness and the determinants of welfare) as well as chapter summaries are available here --I hope you find them of interest,
--Charles Kenny.

Mahalanobis - am 2006-10-14 03:51 - Rubrik: economics
Teresa (anonymous) meinte am 14. Oct, 05:18:
You are so right
I was thinking the same thing last night. Money can't buy health, but it can sure buy happiness, because even if a person decides they don't want it, it can make them happy just to give it away.